# Charity Launches 'Ultimate Challenge' as Recession Takes Hold - Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2009/09/07/charity-launches-039ultimate-challenge039-recession-takes-hold/ - Published: 2009-09-07T15:58:26+01:00 - Author: Howard Lake **CAP doubles rate of expansion as founder runs 84 miles to raise funds**   A national debt counselling charity today announced it is doubling its rate of expansion to help more people struggling in the recession, with its founder running 84 miles in 30 hours to raise the necessary funds. ## Advertisement   Christians Against Poverty (CAP), which operates through a growing number of church- based debt counselling centres, announced the ‘Ultimate Challenge’ as the recession pushes more and more people into unmanageable debt. In addition to its existing 102 debt counselling centres, CAP aims to open another 60 in the next 12 months, doubling its rate of expansion and underpinning what will be the most dramatic growth the charity has witnessed in its 14 year history.   The founder of the charity, John Kirkby, also confirmed that he would be running a total of 84 miles over a 30-hour period to help raise the necessary funds for the expansion and the ongoing work of the charity. Two colleagues will also run with him, hoping to raise more than £750,000. With over £500,000 already raised, the ‘Ultimate Challenge’ has quickly become the charity’s single biggest fundraising initiative.   Following a gift offering among employees, an unprecedented £210,000 was given and pledged in support, including proceeds from the sale of a house. Following this, the charity contacted supporters with a total of £520,000 being quickly raised through the generosity of many individuals. With £230,000 still to be raised before the target is met, however, the charity is continuing to appeal for further donations to reach its ultimate target.   Founder and International Director of CAP, John Kirkby, said: ‘We are so excited to announce to the public the ‘Ultimate Challenge’ today and we are simply overwhelmed by the incredible support we have already received from employees and supporters alike. Running 84 miles over a 30-hour period seems like madness to some, but we can’t just stand by; we have to give it our all as we are surrounded by such a massive need.   ‘In doubling our rate of expansion over the next year, we will be able to help an additional 3,500 people per year with our free, award-winning service. In such desperate times, this is a tremendous boost to all those living under the burden of unmanageable debt and I look forward to enabling more and more churches who are waiting to open centres to reach their communities.   ‘Whilst we are almost in shock at how generous people have been in supporting the‘ Ultimate Challenge’ there is still a way to go to generate the necessary funds to underline our expansion. If you would like to stand with us at this critical and society-changing time, please contact us via the website.’   For more information, visit   www.capuk.org/ultimatechallenge   or call 01274 760 761 to donate.   ENDS –   ### Notes to editors:   For more information about Christians Against Poverty, please contact Sharon Thresher at the press office on 01274 760726 or sh************@***uk.org   ### Further information   _About Christians Against Poverty_   CAP aims to show God’s love in action by providing sustainable poverty relief through debt counselling, advice and practical help. CAP’s unique ‘hands on’ approach empowers people to help themselves out of poverty and be released from the fear, oppression and worry generated by overwhelming debts. Vital financial and budgeting life skills are developed through our services, thus ensuring poverty relief is sustainable.   The charity operates through a growing network of centres based around the UK, all opened in partnership with a local church. Over the last thirteen years, the charity has grown from one man working from his home with a donation of £10, to a national charity with 102 centres across the country and an annual turnover of £5 million.   CAP’s vision is to answer the national problem of debt in the UK by having at least one CAP centre operating in every major town and city by the year 2021.   —   Sharon Thresher Grants & Research Officer Christians Against Poverty t: 01274 760726   SUNDAY TIMES 100 BEST SMALL COMPANIES   First place winners 2008 & 2009   Check out our website www.capuk.org   Christians Against Poverty Registered Office: Jubilee Mill, North Street, Bradford, BD1 4EW   t: 01274 760720 f: 01274 760745   Registered Charity No: 1097217 Charity registered in Scotland No: SC038776 Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England and Wales No. 4655175   * **[No downturn in individual giving in Scotland, say senior fundraisers](https://fundraising.co.uk/2009/10/02/no-downturn-individual-giving-scotland-say-senior-fundraisers/)**( 2 October 2009) * **[Fundraisers at IFC learn how to thrive in unpredictable markets](https://fundraising.co.uk/2009/10/22/fundraisers-ifc-learn-how-thrive-unpredictable-markets/)**( 22 October 2009) * **[ISPCC reports drop in voluntary income](https://fundraising.co.uk/2009/10/28/ispcc-reports-drop-voluntary-income/)**( 28 October 2009)